Alex Bregman, despite entering the offseason as one of the best players in free agency, remains available on the open market as pitchers and catchers start to pack their bags.
There’s been no shortage of rumors tying Bregman to teams like the incumbent Astros, Red Sox and Tigers, among others. The two-time MLB All-Star is now the top prize available.
ESPN MLB writer David Schoenfield on Monday made an argument for and against the Astros, Blue Jays, Tigers, Red Sox, Cubs and Dodgers signing Bregman. Schoenfield’s take on the Red Sox stood out when he argued why a partnership “doesn’t make sense.”
Check out this excerpt from Schoenfield:
Everyone has tried to direct Bregman to the Red Sox this offseason, but it hasn’t happened yet — maybe for good reason. Though Devers is hardly a stellar third baseman, he’s playable there, and the Red Sox have two top infield prospects in Marcelo Mayer (No. 4 on Kiley’s Top 100 list) and Kristian Campbell (No. 26) close to ready for the majors (not to mention Trevor Story, who is signed for three more years).
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Signing Bregman for $150 million or whatever it might be and moving him from his regular position to block two excellent prospects doesn’t make sense. If you can trade Triston Casas or are willing to bump Devers to DH and play Masataka Yoshida in left field (where he’s not good), it could still work out, but maybe it makes more sense to spend that money on pitching or for a more impactful free agent next year (such as Tucker or Guerrero).
While explaining why Bregman does make sense for the Red Sox, Schoenfield pointed to Boston’s need for a right-handed hitter and Bregman’s bat playing well at Fenway Park — reasons that have been stressed the last few months.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently labeled the Tigers and Red Sox as “co-favorites” to sign Bregman. Detroit, however, agreed to a two-year, $35 million contract with veteran pitcher Jack Flaherty on Sunday. It’s possible that financial investment could make the Tigers less likely to pursue Bregman.
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